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The Serpent Is Rising

by Styx

Released: October 01, 1973

Progressive rock, hard rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"The Serpent Is Rising" is the third album by the American band Styx, released in October 1973, shortly after their previous album "Styx II" in July of the same year. Musically, "The Serpent Is Rising" continues Styx's exploration of progressive rock elements, featuring intricate compositions and thematic lyrics. While not a major commercial hit compared to their later successes, the album remains significant in Styx's early discography, showcasing their evolving sound and experimentation during the 1970s.

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The Serpent Is Rising

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Styx - The Serpent Is Rising

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Reception

The album underwent a reissue in 1980 with updated artwork and a new title, "Serpent." Despite its quick follow-up to "Styx II," "The Serpent Is Rising" achieved modest commercial success, peaking at number 192 on the Billboard 200 chart. This placement makes it one of Styx's lowest-charting albums in their career. Over the years, the album has sold fewer than 100,000 copies worldwide as of 2007.

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The Complete Album Story

"The Serpent Is Rising" is the third album by the American band Styx, released in October 1973, shortly after their previous album "Styx II" in July of the same year. The album underwent a reissue in 1980 with updated artwork and a new title, "Serpent."

Despite its quick follow-up to "Styx II," "The Serpent Is Rising" achieved modest commercial success, peaking at number 192 on the Billboard 200 chart. This placement makes it one of Styx's lowest-charting albums in their career. Over the years, the album has sold fewer than 100,000 copies worldwide as of 2007.

Musically, "The Serpent Is Rising" continues Styx's exploration of progressive rock elements, featuring intricate compositions and thematic lyrics. While not a major commercial hit compared to their later successes, the album remains significant in Styx's early discography, showcasing their evolving sound and experimentation during the 1970s.